NaBloPoMo 2023
November is fast approaching, and I am looking forward to participating in NaBloPoMo again this year. I have taken part many times since I started blogging in 2005, though certainly not every year. In the earlier days of blogging, it was a big deal, with hundreds of participants. One year I won an iPad Mini through BlogHer during NaBloPoMo, which was certainly a wonderful surprise. Because there were so many participants, the challenge was to post every day in November, and perhaps try to visit some new blogs, see if you found new friends this way.
Over time it faded away, and I would sometimes do a personal challenge anyway. Last year started that way, then I saw on Engie’s blog that there was an organized group of bloggers, hosted by San (the lovely graphic there is from San’s blog). Fun! I signed up, and met a lot of new bloggers and over the past year have gotten to know you a bit more. This community has revitalized my blogging. A lot of the people I knew way back when no longer have blogs, and I haven’t put a ton of energy into finding new online friends, until now.
One thing that is different with a smaller group of participants is the community, trying to get to everyone’s blog every day and comment if you can. When it’s hundreds of people, of course you can’t do that, but with a smaller group, it’s at least sometimes possible., though as we all know, that can be really time consuming. So, I’m going to post every day, and do my best to get to the other blogs and comment when I can.
As for my posts, I’m going to use the alphabet to help me with prompts for the first 26 days. So November 1 will be A, November 2 will be B, etc. Also, since so many of you are new readers, I will likely pull some older topics forward. For example, I adore France, and have been twice in the last 5 years, so I am going to post some about that. Also, as folks are trying to read and comment every day, I am going to try to keep my blog posts relatively short, at least most of the time.
If you’re participating, I look forward to keeping up with you, and if you’re going to be cheering us on from the sidelines, of course I’ll be coming by and checking out your place as well. Happy NaBloPoMo everyone!
30 Comments
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I have to admit, I am having a bit of FOMO about NaBloPoMo! I know that one of the things I love best about blogging is the interaction, and I feel like I would be lax if I were trying to post every day. Of course, I am an ISTJ which means I feel like I have to finish what I start, or do things completely, so I would feel pressured to comment on everything every day and then I would get burned out. However, I do love the community! I am not going to do it, but will be cheering you all on from the sidelines and commenting every few days when I can! Have fun!
J
Kyria, I know! I’ve never before tried commenting on all of the participants before, so it’s kind of daunting, among work and everything else. We’ll see how we do!
Melissa
I wasn’t going to join this year because we’re travelling but decided to go for it. I’ll have plenty of subject matter from our travels and I’ll batch my reading and commenting.
J
I’m glad you’ll be participating, Melissa! Traveling makes for great blog fodder.
Ally Bean
I’m wishing you and everyone well as you do NaBloPoMo. I did it twice and it is a lot of work to write you own posts then check-in/comment elsewhere. Have fun, just know I’ll be over here sitting on the curb clapping as the parade goes by.
J
Ally, it is a lot of work! I’m trying to front load as many posts as I can, so I can focus more on the reading and commenting when I can.
Elisabeth
I wasn’t going to do NaBloPoMo and then my old blog disappeared and I decided I would.
I’ll admit I feel a bit guilty putting even more content out but this year I have some “series” I’ll run: Guest Post Monday’s, Happy Things Friday, I’m going to do (Almost) Wordless Wednesday’s. So hopefully that structure will make it a) easier for me and b) a little easier for people to follow along?
I try to always respond to every comment I get and, well, I just won’t be able to do that. AND I think I’ll comment less than normal. I’ll WANT to comment on everyone’s posts, but will likely try to be “picky” about when I chime in. I’ll read everything, of course, but maybe try to limit it to 10 comments or so a day?
I LOVE your alphabet idea. That’s truly inspired.
J
I think the structure really helps! I’m looking forward to seeing your posts, you are always so thoughtful.
NGS
I am so excited about NaBloPoMo! Also, very nervous because I don’t actually find it challenging to write a post each day, but I do fnd it hard to keep up with commenting! I think I’m just going to have to set myself a 20-minute time limit or something like that per day.
I love the alphabet idea! What ever will Q and Z bring?!
J
Engie, like you, it’s not the writing that is difficult for me, it’s the keeping up. In years past I didn’t even attempt it, so we shall see.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie
I’m looking forward to NaBloPo – not because I’m doing it but because I know everyone has great stuff planned.
This year I just don’t have the bandwidth to write everyday, but I did it last year and it was so fun. So I’d really encourage anyone who’s on the fence to just give it a try.
J
I’m glad you did it last year, too, since that’s how I found your blog. 🙂
Margaret
It’s very true that the group of bloggers I started out with are generally not blogging any longer. Most of my blog friends are new. I was encouraged when I realized that although my old set of people wasn’t blogging anymore, others still are! Thus, I’ve made many new friends along the way. I usually blog every other day or so and don’t want the pressure of a daily post, even though I’m sure I could do it. 🙂
J
Yes, my audience had dwindled down to two wonderful bloggers, Nance and Ally, with occasional comments by others. So it was great to find new people (like you!) through this community.
nance
Oh, gosh. Maybe this is the nudge I need. I haven’t written in SO LONG.
Looking forward to your Alphabet Posts! They’re fun.
J
Nance, I think it was you who did the alphabet thing a couple of years ago and inspired me, so thank you! I hope you do blog every day, or close to it, in November, I’ve missed my Nance blog updates!
San
I am so excited that you’re joining again, Julie, and I really love that NaBloPoMo has and the community has revitalized your blogging. I think it’s true that what most people love about blogging is a the community… and we do have a fine group of people here 🙂
I also think since our participant list is comparatively small, it’s going to be easier to stay engaged (even if we don’t comment on every single post).
J
San, thank you for hosting again, I’m looking forward to it for sure. If the participant list stays manageable, I think it will be easier to read/comment.
Nicole MacPherson
I will be cheering you on, J!
J
Thanks Nicole!
Daria
Ohh I am participating and I love your approach! This is my very firsts time and I think I will just use any – and every- inspiration that comes my way: colors, numbers, symbols, any words or concepts that catch my eye that can be used as a springboard. Things my kids say. Things they do. Reflecting on my past travels. family (loaded, may need some wine to write about my family in Russia LOL) I also plan on keeping the posts relatively short but consistent. As for keeping up with everyone else, I simply will do my absolute best! I already know I will fall behind but the intent to keep up is there. Good luck to eevryone who is participating!
J
Daria, excellent approach, I look forward to it!
Suzanne
Love your alphabet prompt idea! That’s genius. I am still undecided about NaBloPoMo this year. I may try it and peter out, or maybe I will power through… I really enjoyed it last year. Trying to keep on top of blogging AND reading/commenting is definitely a challenge though!
J
Thanks Suzanne, I think it is going to be fun!
Jenny
Woohoo! I can’t wait. Last year was SO MUCH FUN, and I discovered so many new blogs (including yours.) I’m noticing that some people are hesitating because it’s so time-consuming to comment on everyone’s post. I don’t think that should hold people back- just do your best. I won’t be mad if people don’t comment on every single post I write, and like you, I’ll try to keep them (most of them at least) on the shorter side.
I can’t believe how soon it’s coming up! See you Wednesday : )
J
Hi Jenny, I agree wholeheartedly! We’ll all do our best and keep it fun.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I am so excited to read your posts again. I just hope I manage. It seems to be the fear with most of us to be catching up on all the amazing blogpost that will jump at us through November. It doesnt really feel like I just connceted with you last year.
J
Tobia, it’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year already! And at the same time, like you said, it feels like I’ve known everyone longer than that.
Stephany
I am really looking forward to NaBloPoMo this year! I’m participating, too, and I can’t wait for it to kick off on Wednesday. I think your idea to go through the alphabet is GENIUS!
J
Thanks Stephany, I like the A-Z thing too. It’s enough of a prompt to be helpful, but not so much that I feel trapped.